Gaza Strip

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

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Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.

Truce talks between Israel and Hamas to resume in Cairo

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Truce talks between Israel and Hamas to resume in Cairo

Truce talks between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo, with negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Israel is considering a six-week suspension of its offensive in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Fighting has continued around Gaza City’s main hospital, Al Shifa, with conflicting reports on armed presence and casualties.

Famine ‘quite possibly’ in some areas of north Gaza, US official says

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Famine ‘quite possibly’ in some areas of north Gaza, US official says

Famine is possibly present in parts of the northern Gaza Strip, with a scarcity of trucks hindering aid distribution.

Gaza fisherman braves Israeli navy fire to support his family

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Gaza fisherman braves Israeli navy fire to support his family

– Palestinian fisherman Jalal Qaraan faces dangers at sea due to Israeli navy attacks
– More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war
– Fishing in Gaza has become difficult due to the war, with many families unable to enjoy fish during Ramadan

World Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed

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World Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed

The World Court ordered Israel to ensure basic food supplies to Gaza’s Palestinian population and halt spreading famine.

Israeli strikes on Rafah raise fear assault could begin

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Israeli strikes on Rafah raise fear assault could begin

Israel bombed at least three homes in Rafah overnight, killing 11 people from a family. Residents fear a ground assault could be coming despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. In the West Bank, three Palestinians were killed and four wounded by Israeli fire during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces have imposed a blockade on hospitals in Gaza, claiming they have been used by Hamas fighters. Residents report hearing explosions and seeing smoke coming from buildings inside the medical facility.

The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

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The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

The USA abstained from the first ceasefire resolution in Gaza, angering Netanyahu who wanted Washington to exercise its veto. As a retaliatory measure, Netanyahu cancelled his delegation’s trip to Washington. The ceasefire did not hold as Israel continued its attacks on Gaza. The Security Council’s decision remained on paper, similar to the situation in Cyprus in 1974. The US government claimed there was no reason to believe Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is dire, with people facing hunger and desperation. The head of European diplomacy denounced Israel’s use of hunger as a “war weapon” in Gaza. Netanyahu’s actions are seen as trying to save his political career, but the international community’s response allows the occupying power to continue its actions, which is considered a crime.

UN Security Council demands immediate ceasefire in Gaza after US abstains

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UN Security Council demands immediate ceasefire in Gaza after US abstains

The United Nations Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages after the United States abstained from the vote.

Israel besieges two more Gaza hospitals, 5 doctors killed

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Israel besieges two more Gaza hospitals, 5 doctors killed

Israeli forces besieged two Gaza hospitals, leading to the evacuation of patients and displaced people sheltering there. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported heavy gunfire and shelling around Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of one of its staff and a displaced Palestinian. Israeli forces demanded the complete evacuation of Al-Amal Hospital and fired smoke bombs to facilitate this. The Red Crescent evacuated patients and displaced people to Al Mawasi. Israeli forces also formed a cordon around Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military claimed to have captured 480 militants in a raid on Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where dozens of patients and medical staffers were detained, and five Palestinian doctors were reported killed. The health ministry in Gaza reported over 32,226 Palestinians killed and 74,518 injured since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, triggered by a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel. Concerted mediation efforts for a ceasefire and aid to Gaza civilians have not yet been successful.

Russia, China veto US-led UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire

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Russia, China veto US-led UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire

– The United Nations Security Council rejected a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal due to vetoes from Russia and China.
– The resolution, proposed by the United States, aimed for a six-week ceasefire to protect civilians and allow humanitarian assistance.
– Eleven of the 15 council members supported the resolution, but it was blocked by the vetoes.
– An alternative resolution, drafted by elected members of the Security Council, calls for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan, the release of all hostages, and expanded humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
– The U.S. had previously been averse to using the word “ceasefire” in resolutions during the war in Gaza but had toughened its stance.
– Russia and China vetoed the U.S.-led resolution, which the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. criticized as being for “cynical” and “petty” reasons.
– Palestinian Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 253 captive in an attack on Israel, according to Israel.
– Nearly 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, as reported by health authorities in the Hamas-ruled enclave.
– Russia criticized the U.S.-led resolution as “exceedingly politicized” and a potential green light for an Israeli military operation in Rafah.
– China supported an alternative resolution and criticized the U.S. proposal for not opposing an Israeli military operation in Rafah.
– French President Emmanuel Macron announced efforts to work with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to persuade Russia and China to back another alternative resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza.